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Background to the further education sector

The Department for Employment and Learning is responsible for the policy, strategic development and financing of the statutory Further Education Sector. It also provides support to a small number of non-statutory further education providers.

The Department is also responsible for curriculum and qualifications below degree level, with a key focus on the development of adult literacy.

Statutory Further Education Sector

Strategic Objectives

  • to support regional economic development and, in particular, to provide the skills necessary for the knowledge-based economy;
  • to increase participation and widen access to those previously under-represented in the sector; and
  • to improve the quality of provision and enhance standards of performance.

The Department of Education and Training Inspectorate external link provides for inspections of FE colleges in relation to the quality of teaching and learning.

Structure

Further Education Colleges are free-standing incorporated bodies. Management responsibility lies with each individual college’s governing body. The Association of Northern Ireland Colleges external link (ANIC) acts as the representative body for the Further Education Colleges in Northern Ireland.

The range of courses provided by colleges span essential skills, a wide range of vocational and academic programmes at levels 2 and 3 and Higher Education programmes.

Non-Statutory Further Education Sector

The Department’s strategy document "FE Means Business” underlines the importance of collaboration and partnership between the statutory FE sector and voluntary and community organisations. In taking forward the strategy, the Department envisages voluntary bodies, in collaboration with FE Colleges, playing a valuable role in bringing FE provision to a wider cross-section of the community.